Residents of Mitcham are permitted to keep bees on their property as long as they comply with the guidelines.

Guidelines for the Keeping of Bees

To prevent the keeping of bees in places where they may be a nuisance or danger to persons, and for the comfort and safety of the inhabitants of the area.

Section 254 of the Local Government Act, 1999, provides Council with the 'power to make orders' to prevent a person(s) from doing or refrain from doing a specified thing. The provisions cover:

• Unsightly condition of land
• Hazards on lands adjoining a public place
• Inappropriate use of vehicle
• Animals that may cause a nuisance or hazard

To help members of the community understand the expectation of Council in these matters the following guidelines for keeping bees are provided which may help avoid action being taken under the Order Making provisions of Section 254 of the Local Government Act, 1999.

The following provisions should be adhered to:

Restrictions on bee keeping

Bees should not be kept in those parts of the area which are within 50 metres of:

• Any building in the occupation of another person
• Any street, road or public place
• On any street, road or public place under the control of the Council.

Bee keeping nuisance

Bees should not be kept in any part or parts of the area where the keeping of bees is or may be a nuisance or danger to persons therein.

Notification of intention to keep bees

Appropriate communications should be given to adjoining neighbours by the person(s) intending to keep bees outlining their intentions, information to include location, number of hives, management and maintenance program to be put in place.

Registration as an Apiarist

Person(s) keeping bee hives are requested to have a Certificate of Registration from the Department of Primary Industries as a registered Apiarist (Primary Industries and Resources SA, Bee Information 8207 7914, www.pir.sa.gov.au).

Please note that this information is only intended to provide guidance to the community and does not in any way bind the Council.

The Council may make an Order under the Local Government Act 1999 directing a person to do or refrain from doing something notwithstanding that a person has followed these guidelines if circumstances exist which in the Council's opinion warrant the making of an Order.

Further advice and clarification on information provided can be gained by contacting Council's Animal Management Officer on 8372 8876.